When looking for apartment, the first thing you will have to consider is your budget: how much are you willing (and able) to pay each month?

It is difficult for newcomers in Shanghai to have a precise idea about their budget. They don’t know rental prices and what to expect for that budget. In fact, in Shanghai, there are as many lifestyles as there are properties: you can get any kind of accommodation, from very basic to luxurious. This mean you have a better chance of finding what you want.

How you want to live will determine where you will end up living. To give you an idea, the rental usually depends on the:

- Location
- Housing Style (see below)
- Size and number of rooms of the property
- Age and condition of the property
- Distance to Public Transport (bus, metro)
- Distance to shops, entertainment or sports facilities
- Distance to International Schools / Universities

Living in Shanghai does not come cheaply: resnts are becoming more and more expensive while the range of offerings is expanding exponentially. It is still possible to find cheap and good apartment but it is getting more and more difficult. If you find a place you like, grab it - good apartments tend to rent quickly here - so if you like a place, take it, don't hesitate.

Type of accommodation*	Number of bedroom(s)*	Size*	Monthly rental*
Studio		50 - 65 sqm	RMB 2000 - 4500
Apartment	1	75 - 90 sqm	RMB 3000 - 6000
Apartment	2	290 - 140 sqm	RMB 4500 - 8000
Apartment	3	120 - 170 sqm	RMB 5000 - 12000
Villa	2 and more	130 sqm and more	USD 2500 and more

*The information given here are for reference only. The size and price given are an average according to our experience. However, you can always find cheaper or more expensive according to the location, housing style, etc…



Housing styles

Foreigners live either in apartments and villas. Apartments are found inside and outside the city, whereas villas are usually found outside the city centre.

Apartments

Standard apartments offer basic style housing. Most apartments are fully furnished, but you may pick and choose what you would like to keep or replace. These range from nice to luxurious, and from downtown to Pudong, with prices varying accordingly. Most of serviced luxury apartments offer housekeeping, fitness centre and concierge service.

Villas

Most all have big garden compounds, all services, such as gardening and housekeeping are inclusive. Most provide sports facilities, clubhouse and shuttle bus to major expat shopping areas and international schools. They are fully furnished but you may add or subtract furnishings to suit your taste. Most of the villa developments are in the Hongqiao / Gubei and Pudong areas to the west of the city centre. Note that they can be expensive from 2500$.